Imperial Consort: Has This Overworked Court Historian Rebelled?

A proofreader at the Hongwen Academy is promoted beyond his rank to the Imperial Historiography Institute, setting him on the path to high office.

Plotline One:

While researching the former emperor’s daily records at the Historiography Institute, she discovers that the account of Empress Li Zhao’s coup has been altered.

“...Prince Yao died... Crown Prince Zhao ordered him killed...”

How did Prince Yao die?

What did the current emperor, then Crown Prince, say to the former emperor?

Should she accept the falsification of history, or bring the truth to light?

Or should she be an official historian who keeps her head down and protects herself?

Plotline Two:

“I don’t know when it happened, but I gradually grew accustomed to having you by my side. Whenever I look up, I can see you quietly taking notes and listening. Sometimes your insights cut straight to the heart of the matter, and I’ve always admired your talent. But when I heard that you had collapsed at the Historiography Institute that day, I couldn’t help worrying. I wanted to see you. There was no reason for it. When the thought crossed my mind, I suddenly understood: this wasn’t admiration.

It was love.

Deng Yi, do you feel the same way about me?”

Plotline Three:

“A Yi, are you his accomplice too?”

“I refuse to hand over everything I could have had so easily: power, status, even the empress’s throne. I’m taking it all back.”